With over 220 million olfactory cells, the canine nose is over four times stronger than the human nose. This is why dogs have been so helpful to us in search and rescue missions, drug detection, explosive detection and now, even cancer detection.
McBaine is a regal-looking dog with attentive eyes that is part of a research held in the University of Pennsylvania. Researchers say he, and others like him, are over 90 percent successful in identifying the scent of ovarian cancer, found in tissue samples. Discoveries like this sheds new light on a disease that has no effective test for early detection, and kills 14,000 Americans a year. Past studies have found that cancer-sniffing dogs can also detect prostate cancer by smelling urine samples, with 98 percent accuracy. |
There are even examples of this amazing ability in the real world like Max, the dog that smelled his owner's breast cancer. Despite these findings and stories, there is still some skepticism whether this method can be used on a large scale. As a result, most current research is focusing on how to copy the canine ability to smell the disease, either with a machine or a chemical test. When the dogs "smell cancer", what they really smell are the chemicals emitted by the tumor which are called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. The hope of chemists, doctors and physicists is to create an "electronic nose" to mimic this ability. This method is preferred because using dogs in a clinical setting isn't very practical. In addition, they take a long time to train and their effectiveness can vary from breed to breed, and from dog to dog. |
Even if dogs will never be officially used as medical "cancer sniffers" their ability is still truly remarkable. It's another reminder that they are called "man's best friend" for a good reason. |
Does COVID-19 Affect Pets?
The first dog was tested positive in Hong Kong recently. What does it mean and what is the effect of the corona virus on pets?
Take Our Quiz And Learn to Identify Skin Cancer
This quiz offers a unique and interactive guide for you to learn how to recognize cancerous moles. This one is very important!
New ‘Trojan Horse’ Drug Tricks and Kills Cancer Cells
A new drug-delivery system promises to deliver the chemo drug straight into tumors with fewer side effects.
How mRNA Technology Could Be Used to Fight Cancer
Scientists now believe that the mRNA technology used to develop some COVID-19 vaccines could be applied to develop a cancer treatment.
Alcohol Linked To More Cancer Types Than Previously Known
A new study found a clear correlation between alcohol consumption and more types of cancer than previously known.
If You Love Dogs, Then Avoid Doing These Things With Them
Even though you love your dog, you might be annoying it with some of your habits. Watch to find out more...
The Baby Animals of Australia Are Adorable!
Australia has many endemic species, but some are cuter than the rest! View images of some of the cutest baby animals in Australia.
Adorable Cats & Dogs Sure Make My Day!
You can witness hilarious, adorable situations and more in the compilation of funny videos featuring delightful cats and dogs.
These 10 Animal Adoption Stories Will Melt Your Heart!
Have a look at these 10 cross-species animal adoption stories and see if you've ever heard anything sweeter!
Hen Asks Cat to Watch Her Chicks as She Takes a Nap
Who knew cats made such wonderful babysitters for baby chicks? This heartwarming video will infuse your day with cuteness and affection!
These Animals Don't Care About Species, Just Friendship
Most animals don't care what you look like, just how you treat them...
Hilarious Photos of One of the Largest Dog Breeds
Irish Wolfhounds may be one of the largest dog breeds, but they are incredibly cute... and funny!
These Loveable Doggies are in Rare Form...
These photos are all about the funny poses and silly scenes we sometimes find our dogs in.
These Dogs Clearly Have Problems Dealing With Their Size...
These dogs have some problems dealing with how big they are... and so do their owners!
A Sweeter Friendship Than This One Is Hard to Find...
This goes to show you - animals can have an even better code of conduct than humans do.
How Do You Say "I Love You" in Cat?
The different ways animals show their owners affection
Seeing Animals Hug May Just Be the Best Thing Ever
Is there anything more endearing than animals hugging?
I Can't Look At Koala Babies Without Grinning!
Imogen the baby koala loves a bit of fuss, and she will be the cutest creature you will see all week!
Opposites Do Attract! These Dogs & Cats Are the Proof
Tom and Jerry was great, but as these sweet pictures testify, it was totally wrong when it comes to dogs and cats. In reality they absolutely adore one another.
18 Samoyed Photos That Will Undoubtedly Brighten Your Day!
Here are 18 cute and funny photos of Samoyeds. After you have seen them, you'll want your own!
15 Award-Winning Pet Photos That Will Melt Your Heart
Enjoy the beautiful shots from the 2023 International Pet Photography Awards.
Owls Can Be So Cute and Majestic at Once, Just Watch...
This cute owl compilation video is just the adorable moment you need today.
Too Cute! These Happy Dogs Will Make You Smile
These are 15 of the happiest dogs, with the best smiles on the internet.
These Cats Just Adore Napping With Their Owners
Cats just love napping with their owners, as you'll see in this next video.
Ready for Some Aww-Some? 18 Photos of Baby Animals
Forget everything and enjoy these heartwarming photos of irresistibly cute baby animals.
This Raven is In Love With the Human Who Saved Him...
This raven, aptly named Loki, is enamored with his rescuer, and never leave his side...
These Adorable Animal-Friends are Incredibly Heartwarming
Enjoy 16 heartwarming photos of animal friends.
These Adorable Cats Are Having a Bad Jump Day...
These cats are having an off day - and it's pretty hilarious!
Get Ready to Feel All Warm and Fuzzy With These Dog Comics
Get ready to feel all warm and fuzzy with these heartwarming and cute dog comics by .Hey Buddy Comics’.
Prepare Yourselves For the Cutest Baby Goat Video Ever
This funny and adorable video of kid goats is bound to make your day.
This Cat Travels Across America on the Back of a Dog
Henry and Baloo are both rescues who have adopted each other as family and are inseparable
I Just Wanted to Send You a Warm and Inviting Hug
I wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts. Here's a sweet hug from me to you.
A Terrific Dance of Dog and Human!
In this fantastic dance, this pet owner uses a mirror to convey both subtext and some fabulous dance steps for her 4-legged partner.
20 Cute Cat and Dog Photos Which Will Make You Go Awwwww
A lot of people think that cats and dogs cannot be friends. However, these 20 cute photos shows just how wrong this is.
Labradors are So Much Fun to be Around!
This hilarious compilation brings you the best and funniest from one of the best dog breeds in the world.
15 Cute Pet Friendships That Have Stood the Test of Time
Growing old with the one you love is the sweetest way to live a life, and these adorable pets are living proof of that. Click to see before and after photos.
This Vicious Predator Demands TLC - Unbelievable!
Watch this nurse shark follow a diver around with relentless persistence. But she's not looking for prey...
They Start Small & Delicate But Grow Into Stunning Animals
Watch how quickly pandas grow and change in just 100 days
Hilarious: American Kids Trying Foreign Breakfasts
When US kids try breakfasts from other countries, things get very funny...and cute!
This Baby Lives With Huskies And Their Life is Adorable!
This little girl lives with huskies and it seems as if they are doing a wonderful job raising her!
If Your Cat Could Talk, Here are 11 Things It Would Tell You
Cats are mysterious creatures. Here are 11 things they're trying to tell you through their behavior.
When Daddy and Baby Get Together, Hilarity Ensues!
rom high-flying tosses to goofy dances, witness the unfiltered joy and adventurous spirit of fatherhood that brings a new dimension to family fun.
This Puppy Video is the Ultimate Mood Changer!
Watch this whenever you need a good pick-me-up.
I've Never, In My Life, Seen a Cat Do This...
You've got to see the only skateboarding cat in the world!
These Must Be the Cutest Puppies Ever! Wouldn't You Agree?
These 20 photos of adorable puppies will simply melt your heart!
These Lovely Sentiments Will Ring True to All Cat Lovers
These 10 memorable quotes, penned by famous people, truly describe the joys of owning a cat.
Puppies and Babies Make The Cutest Sleeping Partners Ever
What is cuter than a sleepy puppy. The answer is contained in this video - a sleepy puppy AND a sleeping baby!